The staff and board behind the Path to Promise.
A seasoned administrator, communicator, and educator, Abe has a life-long commitment to work with members of vulnerable communities. Prior to co-founding CUP, Abe worked in customer service and logistics for a major corporation. He is deeply invested in the Westwood and Fairmount neighborhoods and serves on the board of Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. Abe holds a bachelor's in Youth Ministries and Religion from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a master's in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University.
Joni brings more than two decades of active involvement in education and youth development, including work at St. Joseph's Orphanage's Crisis Stabilization Unit. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, an M.A. in Urban Studies (Youth Development) from Eastern University, an M.A. in Theology from Wesley Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development from Northern Seminary.
Melia taught for 15 years with Covington Independent Public Schools across multiple grade levels. She holds a bachelor's in Elementary Education, a master's in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and an Educational Specialist Degree/Principalship from the University of the Cumberlands.
Education has been Jenette's passion, calling, and career for over 20 years. She holds a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership, and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Her purpose as an educator is to encourage, empower, and grow others so they may find their purpose and passion.
A lifelong Cincinnati resident, Ellie interned at CUP in 2018 during our first days in Westwood. After earning her bachelor's in Biology, she researched native plant species at the Cincinnati Zoo and worked as a grower at 80 Acres Farms. She is thrilled to develop urban agriculture in the neighborhood through WestRoots.
Andrea holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in education for 14 years, including teaching adjunct classes at Cincinnati State and CDA courses. Married with three children ranging from 8 to 15, she has learned so much about parenting and making memories through partnering with community resources — and she is excited to bring those experiences to CUP and the families we support.
Tori is passionate about seeing her students thriving and joyful. Mother, wife, colleague, and friend — whatever role she plays, Tori shows deep compassion for those around her. Working with students has been her lifelong career.
Growing up as a student at CUP gives Shikia a unique perspective. She is motivated to make CUP a great place for learning and love because that is what she experienced herself — and she puts that passion into every interaction.
We're always looking for passionate people to serve Cincinnati's youth.
